This is an excellent time to get to know the people around you. Once rapport is established, talk to them about their emergency preparedness plans. Share contact information, find out how you can help one another, discuss what to expect in your neighborhood and how to respond individually, as a family, and as a group.

You will also want to have a family member or other trustworthy individual outside your immediate area who will check-in on you during and following a disaster. Exchange contact information and make the agreement reciprocal…they can probably use you as part of their support network.